Have you had a chance to read the Layout Help FAQ? It shows you what CPArtist is asking about when she asked about measurements. We really need to see the measurements to know whether your layout will really work. I'm already concerned about your aisles in general. Are you measuring your aisles cabinet-to-cabinet? If so, then your aisles are 3" narrower than you think they are. Unfortunately, many KDs and GCs mistakenly measure aisles cabinet-to-cabinet. Aisles are measured to/from the items that stick out in the aisle the farthest - counters, appliances/appliance handles, etc. Here's the Layout Help FAQ: How do I ask for Layout Help and what information should I include? http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2767033/how-do-i-ask-for-layout-help-and-what-information-should-i-include . In addition we have a series of Kitchen Design Best Practices/Guidelines FAQ threads. These FAQ threads explain best practices/good design guidelines for items such as work zones, aisles, island/peninsula seating, etc. These threads will help you understand questions/comments you will receive. Kitchen work zones, what are they? http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638270/faq-kitchen-work-zones-what-are-they Aisle widths, walkways, seating overhangs, work and landing space, and others http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638304/faq-aisle-widths-walkways-seating-overhangs-work-landing-space-etc How do I plan for storage? Types of Storage? What to Store Where? http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638376/faq-how-do-i-plan-for-storage Ice. Water. Stone. Fire (Looking for layout help? Memorize this first) http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2699918/looking-for-layout-help-memorize-this-first

Thanks, jmarino19. The fridge is planned for that open spot across from the range. You are right that there isn't really a landing space for the fridge..I'm hoping that the induction cooktop can serve as landing space? This is where the fridge is now and we usually just drop all the groceries on the floor as we put them away. The doorway next to the fridge goes into the dining room, so not a high traffic route. For the wall with shallow lowers/uppers, I was aiming to have a spot where I can lay out a buffet when we entertain (which isn't that often). I'm losing a peninsula when we renovate, and wanted to make sure I had enough counter space. But I definitely agree that it will attract clutter, that is a valid point! I do like your idea of more shallow storage. The window wall is 111" long and that drawer stack next to dw is 24". The window, including wood frame is 44" wide. This is the part of the design that I'm struggling with. I want a larger prep space, but also want a reasonably sized sink that doesn't look misaligned with the window. I could center under right half of the window, but to do that would need a very small sink. I could push the dw over and make the drawers narrower but I'm not sure how that will all look if the sink is half-centered on the right side of the window. What do you think?

I think you want specific answers to your questions, so: Combining questions 3 and 5, I'd have the coffee maker next to the fridge, because I take milk in my morning coffee. For the rest of that countertop, cookie jars. Filled with cookies. It's kind of useless for the kitchen, actually, so I'd use the space next to the refrigerator for dish storage, and the rest for special servers and the far end for a bar. Question 4: That's where I'd have a small bar sink, not a prep sink. But then, I've never had a prep sink so I can't speak to their need or placement. Question 6: For that perimeter space between the pantry and the pool door, I'd probably have patioware, the melamine trays and cute napkins and iced tea glasses and beer bottle openers that you carry out to the pool, and for placemats, napkins, and candles for the dining table. Question 2: looks like a lot of kitchens, but the placement is poor, being a pass-through. But I'm looking at it from the "I'm moving into this house that someone else built, where does my stuff go?", since HOW I use a kitchen wasn't taken into consideration. I've done enough moving into existing homes and having to change how I do things. If I were building my own home, I'd build it around how *I* do things, not how a drafter, or even the neighbors, do things.

Great feedback here so far. Thanks to everyone who has responded. @Kristin S - yes, the appearance of the low ceiling with the railing is rather 'unique' haha. We have lived here for a few years and both agree that, despite the look, it is very functional to have that space open. That being said, I am open to reconsidering. One earlier idea that I had was to put bottom cabinets in with a countertop for a little seated bar, but I was not convinced at the time. Our general plan for the new nook is to let it continue to be the heart of the house. It is just organically the center of the house for everyone. @lucky998877 - slider to the dining room is definitely an idea I'd considered earlier, just not interested in changing the backyard that much, and we love seeing through to the backyard when we walk into the house. The dimensions from the back (sink) wall to the range wall are 11'6", so I am just not sure what kind of island I can get in there?? Open to that idea for sure. @herbflavor - you seem to understand that the nook is the heart of the home. Considering the kitchen's 11'6" depth, how would you situate an island in that space while maintaining flow to access the back door (whether slider of single swing)? @Woody Vaughan or Shaun Fogarty - thank you! Out swing door would be nice, I am afraid that if it were a comfortable width, the final few inches would be exposed (no protective overhang - but I will double check that. @Buehl - Good points, ones that we have considered. At one point I was thinking about designing some hidden gates to keep the kids out of the kitchen (no matter where the range is located or how it is designed) - 2 little ones already and a third could be in the works, haha. Regarding the nook table, my plan is open. I was going to replace it at a minimum, but totally drop it in the event of a convincing design. Regarding railing, as I mentioned above it will be replaced with new railing or something else altogether. @Jan Moyer - Guilty as charged :). We do some design work on our own projects and I am very attracted to it, so I figured my own little project would be a great way to get some practice, feedback etc. I don't know why planning space is so much fun?? That being said, we have collaborated with some great designers on our projects and I figure at some point I will get one of them involved - great idea. Thank you.